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Bitcoin drops to 16 monthly lows as ETF selling and cycle pressure weigh on the price.

Analysts point to 4-year cycle patterns as derivatives reshape Bitcoin price discovery.

Miners face rising stress as costs exceed prices and gold continues to outperform BTC.

Bitcoin fell below $61,000 last week, marking its lowest level in roughly 16 months as market leaders pointed to the four-year cycle, ETF redemptions, and investor rotation into gold and artificial intelligence stocks. The decline erased all gains since the November 2024 election and ranks among the largest drawdowns since 2022.

Matt Hougan, chief investment officer at Bitwise Asset Management, said investors should not blame a single trigger for the retracement. He told CNBC’s “ETF Edge” that the four-year cycle stands as the primary downward catalyst.

“People are looking for one thing to blame for the current retracement in bitcoin,” Hougan said. “But there is no one thing to blame.” He added that investors have favored other assets during the downturn. “There is some quantum risk. There is fear of [Fed nominee] Kevin Warsh,” Hougan said. “In bear markets, all these things are amplified.”

Bitcoin reached a record $126,279 in October before falling below $90,000 in November. Since then, momentum has shifted.

ETF Redemptions and Shifting Focus

Wintermute analysts linked the downtrend to exchange-traded fund redemptions and a pivot toward AI stocks. They reported that bearish momentum remains intact, although the pace of selling has eased.

https://t.co/kzr5QYb0L1

— Wintermute (@wintermute_t) February 10, 2026

 At the same time, Hougan said the current market reflects a “self-fulfilling prophecy.” He argued that structural demand still supports Bitcoin’s long-term framework despite short-term turbulence.

“There is good news underneath the surface. It’s just slow to materialize,” Hougan said. He maintained that financialization does not weaken Bitcoin’s scarcity. He noted that only 21 million coins exist and that derivative demand must eventually reach the spot market.

Bitwise manages more than $15 billion in assets and remains active in crypto ETFs. The firm launched the Bitwise Solana Staking ETF on Oct. 28 to track Solana. The fund has declined about 57% since launch, while Solana has fallen more than 30% this year.

Related: Bitcoin Crash Tied to IBIT Dealer Hedging, Says Arthur Hayes

Derivatives, Miners, and Structural Strain

Some analysts raised concerns about derivative exposure. Market commentator 0xNobler pointed to the synthetic float ratio, arguing that derivatives and ETFs create claims on Bitcoin without matching physical supply. The price discovery process is disrupted through the system disruption, establishing additional stability risks for Bitcoin markets. 

Bitcoin miners currently experience financial difficulties because market prices remain under their typical operational costs. Operators experience decreasing profit margins, together with an increased burden on their business activities. Some miners have shut down high-cost operations, which has reduced the network hashrate. In turn, distressed miners have sold assets to maintain liquidity. That selling has added short-term volatility.

Bitcoin’s recent decline forms part of a broader crypto winter that began in January 2025. Hougan estimated that crypto winters typically last around 13 months, suggesting a possible recovery in early 2026. Yet other analysts question whether the bear phase will end on that timeline.

Inflation Hedge Debate and Market Test

The economic downturn has sparked renewed discussions about Bitcoin’s capacity to function as an inflation hedge and digital gold. Larry Swedroe argued that Bitcoin does not behave as a safe-haven asset during market stress. He observed that gold has surpassed Bitcoin’s value in recent times.

The value of Bitcoin is being tested because gold is becoming more popular, and AI stocks are attracting investment. The market now weighs institutional adoption, regulatory developments, and broader economic conditions.

The central question remains: can Bitcoin sustain its scarcity-driven thesis amid derivative expansion and ETF-driven price swings?

The post Bitcoin Weakness Grows as ETF Outflows and Cycles Collide appeared first on Cryptotale.

The post Bitcoin Weakness Grows as ETF Outflows and Cycles Collide appeared first on Cryptotale.

Bessent says Coinbase blocks the bill, as stablecoin reward limits threaten its revenue base.

Banks warn stablecoin rewards could speed deposit outflows and weaken core lending funds.

White House talks stall since both sides refuse to shift on stablecoin yield restrictions.

Washington’s long-running effort to pin down a workable crypto market structure bill hit another snag this week after Scott Bessent singled out a major industry player for slowing the process. His remarks, delivered with little cushioning, sketched a blunt storyline: the CLARITY Act is ready to move, but one company is pushing back hard enough to keep it stuck.

According to reports, he did not name Coinbase outright, though his meaning was unmistakable to anyone following the negotiations. The tension centers on a rule that might look narrow on paper but carries wide implications.

BREAKING: SCOTT BESSENT JUST BLAMED THIS CRYPTO FIRM FOR BLOCKING CLARITY ACT.

He said some crypto firms would rather have no bill than a bill they don’t like, and the clear target here is Coinbase CEO who has pushback on stablecoin yield rules.

So what’s the actual fight?… pic.twitter.com/XlbATuLGin

— Sjuul | AltCryptoGems (@AltCryptoGems) February 10, 2026

The bill’s current draft takes aim at stablecoin rewards, a revenue stream that has grown into a core piece of Coinbase’s business model. Essentially, USDC’s reserve income generates steady returns, and the exchange shares a slice of that with customers.

Lawmakers have struggled to decide whether those payouts count as simple rewards or prohibited yield. However, the debate has drifted from technical to political, and it now defines the entire bill’s fate.

The Core Dispute: Stablecoin Rewards

Based on reports, Coinbase has argued that it is not resisting oversight or new rules, but resisting this version of them. The company says the bill’s wording would force it to shut down all stablecoin reward programs, even those structured as platform incentives rather than interest-bearing products. That distinction matters.

Passive rewards paid simply for holding a token fall into one category, while incentives tied to activity or platform use fall into another. Regardless, the bill collapses both into the same label, and that is where negotiations have frozen. Banks, meanwhile, see the issue from a different vantage point. Their concern is not blockchain mechanics or token design, but deposits.

To them, reward-bearing stablecoins that reliably offer returns at a time when many savings accounts barely move could accelerate the outflow of deposits. Basically, banks depend on that funding to deliver credit cheaply. As a result, they warned lawmakers that even small shifts in customer behavior could reshape balance sheets across the sector.

Bessent’s Pressure Play

By placing Coinbase at the center of the impasse, Bessent changed the tone of the debate. Instead of a diffuse policy disagreement, the story became a showdown between a single company and a bipartisan effort to close regulatory gaps.

This marks a strategic move, where blame concentrates pressure, and pressure forces movement. If one party appears responsible for slowing a bill that Congress claims it wants to finish, the political cost increases.

The standoff already halted a Senate Banking Committee markup earlier this year after Coinbase withdrew support. Without compromise on stablecoin rewards, committee leaders say they do not have the votes for a clean advance to the Senate floor.

Related: American Fintech Council Backs Fed Payment Account Opening Access for Crypto Firms

White House Attempts to Break the Deadlock

On the other hand, administration officials have held repeated meetings with crypto firms, banking groups, and regulators to carve out a workable middle ground. Some participants pushed for clearer disclosures rather than outright bans.

Yet, bank groups floated a tougher line, urging Congress to prohibit any reward that resembles interest. Crypto executives signaled a willingness to negotiate but not at the expense of eliminating a business model that drives user engagement.

Consequently, those meetings have produced little movement so far. Both sides remain anchored to their red lines, and lawmakers say the bill cannot progress without agreement on this single issue. Everything else, including exchange permissions, market oversight, and stablecoin rules, waits on the outcome.For now, the CLARITY Act stays frozen. Until negotiators decide what counts as a reward, a yield, or something in between, the U.S. regulatory landscape continues to drift without the clarity its authors promised.

The post Bessent Pressures Coinbase as Stablecoin Reward Clash Halts Key Regulation Push appeared first on Cryptotale.

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Fried seeks a retrial based on asserted evidence regarding FTX solvency and repayment.

He contested findings that customer funds were misused through Alameda Research.

Judges will evaluate whether his motion satisfies the legal threshold for the conviction.

Convicted former cryptocurrency executive Sam Bankman-Fried on Tuesday asked a Manhattan federal court to grant him a new trial, citing newly discovered evidence about FTX’s solvency and its ability to repay customers. The 32-year-old, who serves a 25-year prison sentence after his 2023 fraud conviction, argues that fresh information challenges prosecutors’ claim that he looted $8 billion in customer funds. 

His mother, Stanford Law School professor Barbara Fried, filed the motion on his behalf in the Southern District of New York. The request adds another legal step to Bankman-Fried’s ongoing fight against his conviction.

HAPPENING NOW: SAM BANKMAN-FRIED FILES FOR RETRIAL IN FTX FRAUD CASE

Sam Bankman-Fried has filed for a new trial, citing new facts in sworn testimony from FTX's former Head of Data Science, Chapsky.

Things are about to get heated. https://t.co/p6cHeYrQtu pic.twitter.com/YMA3tCCB2Q

— BSCN (@BSCNews) February 10, 2026

New Trial Bid Centers on Solvency Claims

In the filing, Bankman-Fried contends that new evidence regarding FTX’s financial condition could justify reopening the case. He maintains that prosecutors framed the exchange’s collapse as outright theft rather than a failure tied to liquidity pressures. He argues that evidence about the company’s later solvency deserves examination before a new jury.

At his 2023 trial, prosecutors said Bankman-Fried directed Alameda Research to commingle billions of dollars in FTX customer deposits. They told jurors he used those funds as loans to support risky cryptocurrency futures trading on the exchange he co-founded and controlled. The jury convicted him on fraud charges tied to that conduct.

Now, Bankman-Fried claims testimony absent from the original trial could change the outcome. The filing notes that figures such as former FTX executive Ryan Salame did not testify during the proceedings. Salame fought a separate legal battle. The motion asserts that such testimony could support a reassessment of the government’s theory.

Appeals, Judicial Skepticism, and Political Claims

Since his conviction, Bankman-Fried has pursued multiple legal challenges. He appealed his conviction before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. In November, appellate judges expressed skepticism toward his argument that he did not receive a fair trial.

His appeal also focused on FTX’s solvency after its collapse. He has repeated that claim on social media platform X. Yet during November arguments, judges questioned whether solvency addressed the core fraud charges. Circuit Judge Maria Araújo Kahn stated, “Part of the government’s theory of the case is that the defendant misrepresented to investors that their money was safe.” She added that the jury found the funds were used as prosecutors described.

Separately, President Donald Trump recently said he would not consider clemency for Bankman-Fried. Bankman-Fried has posted on X, through a proxy, alleging he was a victim of what he calls the Biden administration’s “lawfare machine.” He has attempted to align himself with Trump following Trump’s re-election, claiming both faced “bogus charges.” During the 2023 trial, prosecutors disclosed a document in which Bankman-Fried considered “come out as a Republican” to avoid culpability.

Related: From Vision to Void: The Story of Sam Bankman-Fried

Legal Uncertainty and Next Steps

The new trial motion, first reported by Inner City Press, marks his latest effort to challenge his conviction. The filing argues that the trial court excluded defense evidence that he intended to repay customers and believed he could ultimately return their funds. He continues to press that claim in a separate appeal pending before the Second Circuit.

Still, it remains unclear what specific new evidence he discovered or how it could persuade a judge to grant a retrial. Federal judges in Manhattan will now decide whether the motion meets the legal threshold required for reopening the case. Can newly discovered evidence about FTX’s solvency alter a conviction rooted in findings of misappropriation?

For now, the motion sits before the court, while Bankman-Fried continues to pursue relief through both appeals and public statements.

The post Sam Bankman-Fried Challenges 25-Year Sentence With New Trial Bid appeared first on Cryptotale.

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Citadel and ARK acquire ZRO as LayerZero advances the Zero blockchain for institutions.

Zero targets 2 million TPS and uses a new design that cuts network strain across nodes.

DTCC and ICE join tests as firms explore on-chain tools for faster market cycles.

LayerZero has moved from cross-chain messaging into full-scale infrastructure with the unveiling of Zero blockchain, a network built for institutional markets and backed by Citadel Securities and ARK Invest. The announcement places the company in direct competition with established Layer-1 platforms that have long targeted financial institutions as their next growth frontier.

Revealed on February 10, 2026, the initiative combines aggressive performance targets with support from major financial operators. According to the firm’s press release, Citadel Securities and ARK Invest acquired ZRO tokens as part of strategic backing tied to the launch.

LayerZero also outlined alliances with The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC), Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), and Google Cloud, linking the project to core components of global market infrastructure. The reveal also puts a spotlight on the firm’s $4.6 billion valuation.

With Zero, LayerZero is no longer only plumbing for cross-chain messaging. It is pitching itself as a foundation for tokenized settlement and 24-hour trading cycles, a leap that brings new expectations and scrutiny.

Technical Blueprint and Performance Claims

At the center of the announcement is a bold claim: Zero blockchain is engineered to reach 2,000,000 transactions per second, a figure far beyond any current public chain. Ethereum, for instance, even after the Dencun upgrade, clears roughly 140 TPS at the base layer.

Solana, on the other hand, can spike toward 65,000 under ideal conditions, while Aptos has cited a theoretical ceiling near 160,000. However, none of those approaches come close to the scale LayerZero is promising. The company attributes the increase to a heterogeneous design that breaks from the standard replication model used across most blockchains.

https://t.co/vVPUwJ2BSl

— LayerZero (@LayerZero_Core) February 10, 2026

Instead of having every node re-execute the same workload, Zero separates execution and verification through zero-knowledge proofs and a system called Jolt. The aim is to remove the bottleneck that has kept high-throughput experimentation capped at laboratory-style test networks.

LayerZero further acknowledges that the Zero blockchain will be EVM-compatible and will ship with integrated messaging features from its existing protocol. A testnet is planned for the second quarter of 2026, with the mainnet following one quarter later. Moreover, compliance controls, including KYC and AML at the protocol layer, are built in from the start, an uncommon architectural choice for a public chain.

Institutional Validators and Governance Shift

Notably, the validator model may be the most defining break from crypto norms. Per reports, Zero relies on permissioned, institution-run validators rather than open participation. Citadel Securities and Google Cloud were named among the early operators, a signal that LayerZero intends to guarantee uptime and satisfy regulatory expectations that govern traditional market infrastructure.

An advisory board has also been assembled. The board includes ARK Invest founder Cathie Wood, ICE executive Michael Blaugrund, and Caroline Butler, formerly head of digital assets at BNY Mellon. Their roles tie the network’s early decision-making to institutions already familiar with clearing, custody, and post-trade oversight.

Nevertheless, critics argue that such a structure weakens decentralization. Supporters counter that institutional users will not deploy assets at scale without predictable governance and formal accountability.

Financial Backing and Market Integration Plans

Citadel Securities and ARK Invest both acquired ZRO tokens as part of the launch. LayerZero, regardless, did not disclose the size or terms of those purchases. The company also detailed teamwork with DTCC and ICE.

Per reports, DTCC’s involvement focuses on market plumbing, while ICE is exploring whether Zero could help support 24/7 trading cycles, an ongoing aspiration across exchanges seeking faster settlement.

Meanwhile, Google Cloud was listed as an infrastructure partner, anchoring the network to cloud resources already familiar to regulated financial firms. Early use cases include tokenized securities, cross-border payments, and institutional DeFi, areas where technical reliability often outweighs ideological purity.

Related: Indian MP Raghav Chadha Urges Crypto Legalization to Stop Offshore Flight

What Comes Next for Zero

Zero enters a field where enthusiasm for tokenization is climbing, yet production deployments remain slow. Governance, scale, and operational risk continue to hold back most pilots.

As a result, LayerZero now faces a direct test: whether it can produce the performance it has advertised and whether institutions will trust a new chain over the systems they already use. Citadel Securities’ involvement adds a layer of interest around token incentives, vesting schedules, and alignment between investors and developers.

Still, the next phase, starting with the Q2 testnet, will show whether the network’s engineering claims translate beyond launch-day announcements. For now, Zero places LayerZero squarely in the global race to build the digital rails for financial markets. Whether that bet pays off will depend less on vision and more on delivery.

The post Citadel and ARK Invest Back LayerZero’s Zero Blockchain in Global Market Push appeared first on Cryptotale.

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Goldman reports a 2.36 billion dollar exposure to crypto ETFs in a Q4 filing update. 

Bitcoin and ether slid as ETF investors withdrew billions during the quarter decline.

The bank accelerates tokenization and stablecoin strategy within institutional trading units.

Goldman Sachs disclosed $2.36 billion in cryptocurrency exposure in its Q4 2025 Form 13F filing, including major positions in Bitcoin and Ethereum through spot ETFs. The filing shows $1.1 billion in bitcoin, $1.0 billion in ether, $153 million in XRP, and $108 million in Solana. The update surfaced as Bitcoin and Ether prices declined sharply in the fourth quarter and ETF investors withdrew billions from crypto funds.

Fox Business journalist Eleanor Terrett first pointed to the figures on social media, noting that the exposure comes through regulated spot crypto exchange-traded funds rather than direct token custody. The disclosure provides one of the clearest snapshots yet of how a major Wall Street bank allocates capital to digital assets.

NEW: Wall Street investment bank @GoldmanSachs just revealed it holds $1.1B $BTC, $1B $ETH, $153M $XRP and $108M $SOL.

Goldman has representation at the White House meeting on stablecoin yield today. Its CEO David Solomon is scheduled to speak at @worldlibertyfi Forum in Palm…

— Eleanor Terrett (@EleanorTerrett) February 10, 2026

ETF Exposure and Portfolio Breakdown

According to the filing dated Dec. 31, 2025, Goldman Sachs held about 21.2 million shares across several spot bitcoin ETFs. Those shares carried a combined value of $1.06 billion. Compared with the third quarter, the bank reduced its bitcoin ETF share count by 39.4%.

The broader crypto allocation totaled roughly $2.36 billion. That figure represents about 0.33% of Goldman Sachs’ total reported assets under management in the filing. Although the dollar value appears large, the allocation remains modest within the bank’s overall portfolio.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin fell from about $114,000 at the end of September 2025 to around $88,400 by year-end. Ether dropped from $4,140 to $2,970 over the same period. At the same time, spot bitcoin ETFs recorded $1.15 billion in quarterly outflows, while ether ETFs saw $1.46 billion in net withdrawals, according to SoSoValue data.

Strategic Focus on Tokenization and Stablecoins

Alongside its ETF positions, Goldman Sachs continues to direct resources toward digital asset infrastructure. CEO David Solomon has repeatedly stated that the bank channels investment into tokenization, stablecoins, and blockchain-based market structures. These efforts span research initiatives and institutional trading activities.

In parallel, the bank has drawn attention for its policy engagement. Representatives have participated in government-level discussions focused on stablecoin matters. Solomon has also appeared at industry events addressing the future of digital financial markets.

These developments show how large financial institutions engage with digital assets beyond portfolio exposure. The banks’ involvement in digital assets creates a fundamental question for market observers on how banks will transform their traditional financial operations through blockchain technology.

Related: Goldman Sachs CEO Warns US Crypto Law Faces Delay Push Now

Institutional Signals Amid Market Volatility

The fourth-quarter decline in crypto prices established the conditions that led to Goldman Sachs’ announcement. The market experienced ETF outflows because investors showed increased caution, which happened during the digital asset price decline. The bank kept its multi-billion-dollar investment through regulated products despite its financial losses. Market players use institutional allocation data to determine how investors plan their investments over extended periods. 

Despite the headline figure, billion-dollar crypto positions still account for a small fraction of total bank assets. Therefore, the development suggests measured expansion instead of sweeping change. At the same time, institutional activity continues to grow in areas such as tokenization, stablecoins, and regulated trading solutions.

Goldman Sachs’ Q4 2025 filing, combined with public remarks from management and documented ETF data, provides a detailed look at how a leading investment bank navigates digital asset markets during periods of volatility.

The post Goldman Sachs Reveals $2.36 Billion Cryptocurrency ETF Bet appeared first on Cryptotale.

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Chadha says India taxes crypto as legal but regulates it as illegal, driving investors offshore.

Over ₹4.8 lakh crore in crypto trading and 73% of volumes have shifted outside India.

Clear VDA rules and AML frameworks could add ₹15,000–20,000 crore yearly in tax revenue.

A sharp intervention in India’s Upper House on February 10 has added fresh momentum to the country’s long-running crypto policy debate. Per reports, Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha used the ongoing budget session to renew calls for the legalisation and structured regulation of virtual digital assets, warning that policy ambiguity is driving capital and talent out of India.

Legalise Virtual Digital Assets (like Crypto, Stablecoin) in India. Don’t drive them offshore.

India taxes VDAs (virtual digital asset) like they are legal. But regulate it like they are illegal.
India taxes cryptocurrency at 30% Capital Gain Tax + 1% TDS; yet offers no legal… pic.twitter.com/Y1JXJLBW85

— Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) February 10, 2026

Chadha, a member of the Aam Aadmi Party, argued that India has created a contradictory system in which digital assets are taxed aggressively while remaining undefined in law. That gap, he said, is no longer theoretical. It is already reshaping where Indian investors trade and where startups choose to build.

Taxed Like Legal Assets, Treated Like Prohibited Ones

Under amendments introduced through the Finance Act of 2022, profits from virtual digital assets attract a flat 30% tax, alongside a 1% tax deducted at source on every transaction. Those provisions remain unchanged in 2026.

Yet cryptocurrencies and stablecoins still lack formal legal recognition, licensing requirements, or a dedicated investor protection framework. There is no tailored regulatory structure for custody, disclosures, or market conduct. Chadha described this mismatch as a policy paradox.

<blockquote> “India taxes VDAs (virtual digital asset) like they are legal,” he told lawmakers, “but regulate it like they are illegal.” blockquote>

According to Chadha, this has left both investors and firms operating in a grey zone, compliant on paper through taxation but exposed in practice due to the absence of clear rules.

Offshore Shift Accelerates

Chadha further pointed to what he described as mounting evidence of capital flight. He cited estimates suggesting that roughly ₹4.8 lakh crore in VDA trading volume has moved to offshore platforms. Around 73% of India-linked crypto trading, he added, now occurs outside the country.

He also claimed that nearly 12 crore Indian users continue to trade through overseas exchanges, while close to 180 crypto startups with Indian roots have relocated abroad, largely to jurisdictions offering regulatory clarity.

Industry participants have raised similar concerns in recent months. High transaction taxes, combined with regulatory uncertainty, have reduced onshore liquidity and discouraged market-making activity. As a result, several reports suggest that domestic exchanges have struggled to retain volume since the TDS regime took effect.

A Case for Structured Regulation

Chadha’s remarks went beyond criticism. He outlined what he described as a compliance-first approach aimed at reversing the offshore drift. His proposals included granting VDAs formal asset-class status, introducing a domestic regulatory sandbox, and building licensing and investor protection standards alongside strong anti-money laundering controls.

In his view, regulation would bring activity back under Indian oversight rather than push it into less transparent channels. “Prohibition is not protection,” Chadha said. “Regulation is protection.”

He argued that a clear framework could improve compliance while unlocking ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 crore in annual tax revenue, driven by higher onshore participation and reporting.

Government Caution Remains

The comments come as policymakers continue to weigh the risks and benefits of deeper crypto integration. Officials have repeatedly stressed concerns around financial stability, consumer risk, and illicit finance.

In a separate statement, the Central Board of Direct Taxes said authorities are closely monitoring crypto transactions for compliance, while maintaining a cautious stance on full-scale regulation. For now, however, oversight remains fragmented, spread across tax enforcement and reporting obligations.

Related: American Fintech Council Backs Fed Payment Account Opening Access for Crypto Firms

A Policy Crossroads

With the Union Budget 2026–27 under debate and global crypto regulation advancing elsewhere, pressure is building on New Delhi to clarify its position. Jurisdictions such as Singapore and the UAE have already rolled out defined regulatory regimes, attracting firms and capital in the process.On the other hand, Chadha’s intervention does not settle the debate. But it sharpens the contrast between India’s tax-heavy approach and its unresolved regulatory posture. As lawmakers weigh their next steps, the question is no longer whether crypto activity exists in India, it’s whether it will continue to operate from outside its borders.

The post Indian MP Raghav Chadha Urges Crypto Legalization to Stop Offshore Flight appeared first on Cryptotale.

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Beast Industries acquires Step and gains access to over seven million young users.

Step offers savings, spending, credit-building cards, and cash advances for teens online.

MrBeast plans fintech growth after funding and trademark filings in the United States.

MrBeast has taken a major step into financial technology as his company, Beast Industries, agreed to acquire the consumer banking app Step. The deal brings a youth-focused fintech platform under one of the world’s largest digital brands. Both companies confirmed the acquisition in a joint announcement released Monday.

Step operates as a digital banking app designed to help teens and young adults manage money early. The platform offers savings accounts, a credit-building Visa card, and a cash-advance feature. Step does not operate as a bank and instead partners with Evolve Bank & Trust, an FDIC-member institution.

NEW: YOUTUBE STAR MRBEAST ACQUIRES TEEN BANKING APP STEP

MrBeast’s Beast Industries is acquiring Step, a teen-focused finance app last valued at $920M, as he prepares to launch a finance-focused YouTube channel aimed at improving fans’ financial literacy. pic.twitter.com/WRYHCwE5Wt

— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) February 10, 2026

Neither company disclosed the financial terms of the transaction. Still, the acquisition places Beast Industries directly inside the competitive fintech space. It also marks MrBeast’s most concrete move yet, beyond media and consumer products.

A Youth Banking Platform With Millions of Users

Step launched in 2018 with a focus on financial access and literacy for young users. Founders CJ MacDonald and Alexey Kalinichenko built the platform for saving, spending, sending money, and investing. The app charges no monthly fees and targets first-time financial users.

In 2022, Step said it raised $500 million in combined equity and debt. Investors included General Catalyst, fintech firms such as Stripe, and individuals like TikTok creator Charli D’Amelio. The funding helped Step scale technology and user growth.

Today, Step reports more than seven million users. Beast Industries said the app’s technology platform and in-house fintech team will join its broader ecosystem. The company also linked the acquisition to its digital reach and philanthropic goals.

Beast Industries CEO Jeff Housenbold addressed the strategy in a statement. “Financial health is fundamental to overall wellbeing,” he said. He added that many people still lack tools and knowledge to build financial security.

Funding, Expansion Plans, and Industry Attention

Beast Industries has raised significant capital over the past year. Most recently, it secured a $200 million investment from Bitmine Immersion Technologies. The firm ranks as the largest corporate holder of Ether and is chaired by Fundstrat’s Tom Lee.

The acquisition follows months of preparation for a fintech entry. In October, the company filed a U.S. trademark for “MrBeast Financial.” An early 2025 investor deck later outlined possible services, including student loans and insurance.

That pitch deck described a strategy built on partnerships. It aimed to avoid regulatory burdens, credit exposure, and heavy capital requirements. Step already operates under a regulated banking partner structure.

Related: BitMine Immersion Puts $200M Into MrBeast’s Beast Industries

MrBeast addressed the move directly in a message to fans. “Nobody taught me about investing or building credit when I was growing up,” he said. He stated that the goal is to give young people a stronger financial foundation.

Industry observers note the potential impact on youth banking adoption. Traditional banks have struggled to reach Generation Z and Generation Alpha users. MrBeast’s audience includes hundreds of millions across digital platforms.

Still, financial services bring complex challenges. Regulatory compliance, trust, and long-term monetization remain central risks. Can a global entertainment brand successfully guide millions of young users through real financial decisions?

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American Fintech Council backs Fed Payment Account access for crypto firms under strict limits.

Banks warn the proposal could raise systemic risk despite balance caps and usage restrictions.

Fed Payment Account debate intensifies as White House hosts banks and crypto groups.

The American Fintech Council (AFC) has stepped into one of Washington’s most active policy debates by backing a Federal Reserve proposal that could reshape how crypto firms connect to the U.S. payment system. In a formal letter sent to the central bank on February 9, the trade group endorsed a limited-access framework designed to give eligible fintech and digital asset firms a direct route into federal payment rails without granting them full banking privileges.

However, the proposal quickly became a flashpoint between advocates of financial innovation and traditional banking institutions. Supporters say the plan modernizes settlement infrastructure and reduces reliance on a small number of intermediary banks. Critics, on the other hand, argue that it risks expanding access to the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet for firms that lack long-standing supervisory oversight.

At the center of the debate is the Fed Payment Account, a narrowly defined account structure that would allow non-bank firms to clear and settle transactions directly with the Federal Reserve. According to the American Fintech Council, the model preserves core safety features of the banking system while addressing competitive barriers faced by fintech and crypto companies.

AFC Pushes Limited Access Model

In its submission to the Federal Reserve Board, the American Fintech Council said a well-designed Fed Payment Account could expand competition in payments without undermining prudential safeguards. Chief Executive Officer Phil Goldfeder stated that the approach balances innovation with risk management by strictly limiting what participating firms can do.

A well-designed Payment Account can expand competition and responsible innovation in payments without introducing new risk or undermining the Federal Reserve’s longstanding prudential safeguards,” Phil Goldfeder, CEO of the American Fintech Council, noted.

Unlike a traditional master account, the Fed Payment Account would not provide access to the discount window, would not pay interest on balances, and could not be used as a general-purpose deposit account.

Its function would be confined to clearing and settlement activity across systems such as Fedwire and FedNow. Per reports, the Federal Reserve first sought public feedback on the concept in December 2025 after Governor Christopher Waller raised the idea earlier that year.

Banks and Crypto Firms Split Over Risks

Meanwhile, the Fed’s comment process revealed a sharp divide. Digital asset firms and fintech groups largely welcomed the proposal, while banking associations urged caution. One such stablecoin issuer, Circle, said the account structure could increase the resiliency of the payment system by reducing concentration risk.

The Blockchain Payments Consortium, which includes Fireblocks, Polygon, Solana, and TON, further argued that the model could limit uncompetitive practices tied to reliance on a few large banks. Yet, not all crypto firms offered unqualified support.

Anchorage Digital described the Fed Payment Account as a positive step but criticized restrictions that still leave firms without direct access to the Automated Clearing House and prohibit earning interest on reserves. Banking groups, on the other hand, raised broader concerns.

The American Bankers Association warned that many potential applicants lack a long supervisory history. In a joint letter, the Bank Policy Institute, the Clearing House Association, and the Financial Services Forum said the proposal marks a significant policy shift by allowing uninsured or lightly supervised institutions to connect directly to the Federal Reserve.

Related: White House Pushes Banks and Crypto Toward Stablecoin Deal

Policy Debate Extends to White House

The issue has also reached the White House. According to Crypto In America, administration officials scheduled a meeting to ease tensions between banks and crypto firms. The gathering is expected to include senior policy staff, representatives from banking and crypto trade groups, and legal executives such as Coinbase Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal.

Sources said banks, including Bank of America, JPMorgan, and Wells Fargo, were also invited. While stablecoin yield is expected to dominate discussions, the Fed Payment Account remains a key fault line. Bank groups argue that even with balance caps, such accounts could heighten run risk by supporting deposit-like activity outside the federal safety net.

Crypto advocates counter that direct settlement access could reduce systemic risk by lowering dependence on a small set of correspondent banks. For now, the Federal Reserve has made no final decision. The outcome of the proposal will help determine how crypto firms integrate into U.S. payment infrastructure and whether limited central bank access becomes a permanent feature of the financial landscape.

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Anhui police traced telecom fraud funds through illegal cryptocurrency trading networks.

A six-month investigation led officers from Hefei to Sichuan for the arrest operation.

Authorities say virtual assets enable fast concealment of scam proceeds across regions.

Police in China’s Anhui Province have dismantled a cross-provincial virtual currency laundering network linked to telecom fraud after a six-month investigation, according to Anhui Online News. The Hefei Xinzhan Public Security Bureau traced proceeds from an online scam into illegal cryptocurrency transactions, revealing how fraud groups channel stolen funds through digital assets.

Investigators said the case reflects a recurring method used by criminal groups to conceal illicit proceeds, which has driven coordinated enforcement actions across multiple regions.

Scam Discovery and Financial Trail

The case dates back to June 2025, when a man in Hefei’s Xinzhan District clicked an unfamiliar phone advertisement and downloaded a dating application. Soon afterward, individuals posing as platform operators persuaded him to join an online shopping scheme that claimed to restore his account and enable local dating.

The victim executed his actions according to the instructions, which he believed to be authentic and organized. The instructions required him to deliver gold to an established offline destination. The transaction incurred a 260,000 yuan loss because the expected returns did not come through. The fraud report investigation showed officers found suspicious money transfers, indicating an intermediary managed the group’s financial operations.

Further analysis pointed to a virtual currency “acceptor” operating behind the scenes to process and move the stolen funds.

Police tracked the financial trail and found that the fraudulent money passed through virtual currency trades before reaching personal accounts. The pattern showed how digital assets were used to disrupt traceability and complicate recovery efforts.

Six-Month Investigation and Arrest

Following the discovery, officers launched a detailed investigation that examined transaction records, trading platforms, and communication channels linked to the laundering operation. The inquiry identified a suspect surnamed Liu, who allegedly exchanged virtual currency on behalf of the fraud group.

On January 15, 2026, investigators traveled overnight to Sichuan Province and arrested Liu at his hiding location, bringing the cross-provincial pursuit to an end. Police later confirmed that Liu sold virtual currency on an illegal trading platform on June 7, 2025.

After the transaction, funds connected to the Hefei victim entered Liu’s personal bank account, establishing a direct financial link to the scam. Despite recognizing the funds as suspicious, Liu withdrew the money and transferred it to his personal WeChat account, officers said.

Related: China Nears US as Top Bitcoin Holder Despite Long Crypto Ban

Crypto Trading and Enforcement Context

Investigators found that Liu began his cryptocurrency trading activities in 2020 because he wanted to earn fast profits without being monitored by domestic authorities. He reportedly used overseas messaging applications to contact buyers and repeatedly traded with telecom fraud groups on illegal platforms.

Police said these activities constitute the crime of concealing and covering up criminal proceeds under Chinese law. After interrogation, Liu confessed and now faces prosecution, while authorities continue to pursue other individuals connected to the network.

China has intensified nationwide operations targeting phone-based scams and financial fraud, with a focus on the payment channels that sustain such crimes. A separate Reuters report said regulators across Asia are tightening controls on illicit crypto activity, unauthorized trading, and cross-border fund transfers.

The Anhui case illustrates how law enforcement now combines traditional fraud investigations with digital asset tracking as authorities continue tracing remaining suspects and related transactions.

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Banks warn stablecoin yields may drain deposits and disrupt the traditional financial system.

Crypto firms seek approval to offer interest products while keeping regulation talks alive.

Lawmakers push for compromise before February ends to revive stalled crypto legislation

The White House will hold a second meeting on Tuesday afternoon to push banks and crypto firms toward a compromise on stablecoin yields. The dispute has stalled progress on the CLARITY Act and intensified tensions between both sectors. Officials aim to narrow differences after an earlier closed-door session ended without agreement on whether digital asset firms may offer interest on stablecoins.

That unresolved issue remains central because banking groups warn that yield-bearing stablecoins could trigger large deposit outflows. Crypto firms continue to seek permission to offer interest products linked to stablecoins. As a result, lawmakers and regulators face mounting pressure to deliver a workable framework before the end of February.

CRYPTO AND BANKS MEET TUESADAY OVER STABLECOIN RULES

The White House is hosting a second meeting with banks and crypto groups on Tuesday, Feb. 10, to discuss stablecoin rules.

Officials will try again to reach a compromise on whether crypto firms can offer interest on… pic.twitter.com/0kCBJRMKr6

— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) February 9, 2026

Government officials will act as mediators during the talks. They will try to balance financial stability concerns with demands for regulatory clarity. One question now hangs over the talks: can both sides agree on stablecoin yields without derailing broader crypto legislation?

Focus Shifts to Technical Compromise Talks

Like the first meeting, Tuesday’s session will involve senior staff and trade groups rather than top executives. Fewer participants from each industry will attend, according to Crypto in America. The narrower format aims to keep discussions focused on practical solutions.

Negotiators will concentrate on technical details tied to a possible compromise. These include liquidity requirements, reserve standards, jurisdictional authority, and consumer protections. Officials hope these elements can form the basis of acceptable language for lawmakers.

Banks continue to raise concerns about deposit volatility. Crypto firms continue to press for flexibility to offer interest-bearing stablecoins. The talks seek to address both positions without expanding the scope beyond stablecoin yields.

Banks and Crypto Firms Face Deadline Pressure

Both camps now face pressure to deliver a compromise proposal by late February. Any progress could determine whether pending crypto legislation advances in Congress. Without movement, the CLARITY Act remains blocked in the Senate.

According to a Bloomberg report last week, crypto firms have floated new proposals to ease tensions with banks. These plans would give community banks a larger role in stablecoins, including custody of reserve funds. They also include potential joint ventures to issue bank-backed digital currencies.

Banking groups have previously resisted these measures. They argue that interest-bearing stablecoins could resemble deposits without meeting banking standards. As a result, they have withheld support for the bill until yield rules become clearer.

Related: White House Advisor Slams Coinbase Over Crypto Bill Exit

Market Volatility Adds Urgency to Talks

The staff-level summit continues a series of unsuccessful efforts to bridge policy gaps between traditional finance and crypto firms. Authorities again aim to settle whether crypto platforms can provide interest-bearing stablecoin products.

Pressure inside the administration has increased amid recent digital asset market volatility. Bitcoin and Ethereum prices fell sharply during recent market swings. Demand for clearer regulatory processes has grown as a result.

Officials believe prolonged uncertainty increases systemic risk. They also see the stablecoin debate as a test case for wider crypto market oversight. Without agreement, regulatory gaps may persist.

Key Players and Legislative Stakes

The meeting includes major financial institutions such as JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo. Crypto firms and trade groups from Coinbase, Ripple, and Circle will also take part.

These discussions directly affect the CLARITY Act of 2025. The bipartisan bill cleared key House steps but stalled in the Senate. Banking opposition tied to stablecoin yields remains the main obstacle.

White House officials and members of the presidential crypto advisory team have said resolving this dispute is a top priority. They view stablecoin yield rules as the final barrier to moving the bill through the Senate Banking Committee.

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Coinbase aired a Super Bowl karaoke ad that invited mass viewer participation.

The campaign framed cryptocurrency as entertainment tied to shared cultural moments.

Executives stated that over 52 million Americans have used cryptocurrency already.

Coinbase returned to Super Bowl advertising on Feb. 8 with a 60-second commercial designed to pull viewers into a shared karaoke-style crypto moment. The spot aired during the championship game and featured low-definition visuals alongside Backstreet Boys’ “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back).” The campaign marked Coinbase’s first Super Bowl appearance since its 2022 QR code ad, which drove massive traffic and disrupted its website.

The commercial encouraged viewers to sing along while watching the code move across retro-style screens. Coinbase executives described the approach as another high-risk attempt to engage audiences through participation rather than explanation. The ad aired during one of the most-watched television events in the United States, ensuring broad national exposure.

COINBASE JUST LAUNCHED AN AD LIVE FOR 120M PEOPLE WATCHING THE SUPER BOWL

CRYPTO IS GOING MAINSTREAM pic.twitter.com/RQmgzj2BcP

— That Martini Guy ₿ (@MartiniGuyYT) February 9, 2026

Four years earlier, Coinbase’s Super Bowl debut triggered more than 20 million landing-page visits in one minute, according to the Financial Times. That surge temporarily overwhelmed the company’s site and sparked widespread discussion across social media and mainstream outlets. This year’s effort again focused on pulling viewers into a collective experience rather than delivering technical messaging.

A High-Risk Creative Return to the Super Bowl

Coinbase vice president of creative Joe Staples described the campaign as an intentional risk before the ad debuted. “We’re taking a swing,” Staples told USA TODAY Sports. “Do things with your whole heart. Go as far as you can and if you do that, you can sleep well.”

The ad relied on karaoke, a familiar group activity, to create a shared moment among viewers. The company aimed to connect millions of screens through synchronized participation rather than polished production. The creative leaned on nostalgia and simplicity instead of detailed explanations of crypto products.

This year’s spot again invited viewers to track a code on screen. The Financial Times reported that the 2022 QR campaign unified viewers as they followed the code’s movement together. Coinbase used that same communal concept to anchor the 2026 execution.

“We Didn’t Buy an Ad, We Bought a Vibe”

Coinbase chief marketing officer Catherine Ferdon framed the campaign as a cultural play rather than a standard media buy. “We didn’t buy an ad – we bought a vibe,” Ferdon said.
She added that the goal centered on shared experience rather than direct promotion.

Ferdon said 52 million Americans have used crypto, with participation spanning generations and political affiliations. She stated that Coinbase focuses on making crypto approachable, accessible, and secure for broad audiences—the campaign message aligned with that positioning by removing technical language from the Super Bowl moment.

The ad framed crypto as part of mainstream entertainment rather than a specialized financial product. That framing matched Coinbase’s strategy to reach audiences beyond traditional crypto users. Can a singalong moment turn millions of viewers into participants in a growing crypto community?

Related: Coinone Explores Stake Sale as Coinbase Weighs Korea Entry

Nationwide Extensions Beyond the TV Spot

Coinbase expanded the campaign beyond television through large-scale public activations.
The company planned a takeover in New York’s Times Square starting Sunday, Feb. 8.
It also launched an activation on Sphere’s Exosphere in Las Vegas, the world’s largest LED screen.

Another screen takeover is scheduled at San Francisco’s Chase Center during a Golden State Warriors game on Monday, Feb. 9. These placements extended the campaign into physical spaces where large audiences gather. The approach mirrored the ad’s focus on shared, real-world moments.

The campaign was created with creative agency Isle of Any. The agency previously partnered with Coinbase on animated ads that aired during the 2025 NBA playoffs. That collaboration continued with the Super Bowl execution.

“Super Bowl is often a time when advertising comes at you,” said Toby Treyer-Evans, co-founder of Isle of Any. “We wanted to do something big and generous that blurs the line between audience and the brand,” he said. Treyer-Evans described the goal as turning every screen into karaoke for millions of viewers.

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PIPPIN price jumps over 50% after a strong rebound from the $0.16 to $0.13 support floor.

A sharp rise in volume and liquidations shows real demand behind the sudden rally.

Resistance near $0.28 remains critical as traders watch for a break toward higher Fib levels.

The PIPPIN price staged a sharp rebound over the past day, snapping out of a week-long lull and pulling traders back into a market that had looked increasingly fatigued. The move began quietly, then accelerated as bids stacked near the $0.16–$0.13 support band, an area that has held firm through several tests this month.

From that floor, the token vaulted roughly 52% to a brief peak near $0.29 before cooling to about $0.28 at press time. Even with that modest pullback, the daily gain still sits near 45%, a shift strong enough to reframe short-term sentiment. What stood out even more was the depth of participation behind the move.

Trading volume climbed to $94.34 million, a gain of 373.8% in a single session, signaling that buyers were not just leaning in but doing so with conviction. Moves of this scale rarely appear without clear liquidity support, and this one carried it in abundance.

Support Defense Reignites Momentum

The rebound began where many early buyers had expected: the familiar support zone that has steadied the PIPPIN price through earlier drawdowns. Once the area was held again last week, traders appeared more willing to step back in.

The sharp volume spike further suggested that capital did not trickle but rushed into the market, giving the rally a firmer foundation than flash reversals typically enjoy. Longer-term measures also add context.

The token remains up 943.8% year-on-year, a reminder that despite bouts of volatility, the broader trajectory still leans upward. That does not change the near-term risks, but it helps explain why the reaction from the base level was so aggressive.

Rotation Lifts Mid-Cap Altcoins

Notably, no project-specific announcement accompanied the rally. Instead, it unfolded alongside gains in several mid-cap names, including Warden and Humanity Protocol. The pattern resembles a rotation phase, with capital drifting into altcoins showing early signs of momentum.

Such periods tend to be narrative-light and data-heavy, driven more by liquidity pockets than by news cycles. In that setting, the PIPPIN price move fits neatly into the broader shift. Traders seeking volatility rotated toward assets already flashing signs of life, and the token’s rebound from support made it an easy target for momentum flows.

PIPPIN Technical Picture Tightens

On the chart, the token still sits inside a falling wedge pattern. The structure has narrowed over the past week, and the recent jump brought the PIPPIN price into contact with a familiar barrier: the 23.6% Fibonacci level near $0.28.

Once a dependable support area, it has now flipped into resistance. Price action around this level has been choppy, suggesting hesitation rather than exhaustion. However, a clear push above may open room toward the 38.2% retracement near $0.36, followed by the 50% marker around $0.42.

Source: TradingView

Failure to break cleanly could push the token back into the same support region that started the rally, a scenario traders will be watching closely as momentum cools. Meanwhile, the relative strength index, hovering near 51, remains neutral. Still, its climb from oversold territory hints at a shift in control. A break above the 60 region would strengthen the bullish argument, while slipping back toward 40 would weaken it.

Related: WLFI Drops 8% as Bearish Trend Deepens: What Comes Next?

Short Squeeze Fuels the Breakout

Derivatives data further helps explain the speed of the move. Per CoinGlass data, roughly $3.76 million in short positions were liquidated over the past day, compared with about $856.92K in long liquidations. The imbalance shows sellers caught offside as the rebound gathered pace.

Source: CoinGlass

Open interest also surged 47.22% to about $111 million, pointing to new participants entering the market rather than old positions unwinding. Rising open interest in a rally often brings heavier swings, helpful for bulls when momentum is in their favor, but equally punishing if the tide shifts.

Source: CoinGlass

Overall, the surge highlights renewed strength in the token as volume and momentum return. Its next direction will depend on how it handles nearby resistance and broader shifts across the market.

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Tether grows its workforce worldwide as profits fund engineers, policy experts, and AI roles.

The company builds wallets, mining systems, and AI platforms alongside global investments.

Regulatory pressure rises as Tether deepens political ties and US market ambitions.

USDT issuer Tether is accelerating a global expansion drive as rising profits fund hiring, technology development, and a widening investment portfolio, according to the Financial Times. The company has grown to about 300 employees and plans to add 150 more over 18 months as it scales operations across regions and sectors. The push comes as regulatory pressure intensifies and competition sharpens across the stablecoin market, raising one central question: how far can Tether expand while scrutiny continues?

Expanding Workforce and Global Footprint

Tether has expanded its workforce to about 300 employees and plans to hire another 150 over the next 18 months, with most roles focused on engineering. At the same time, the company is recruiting for non-engineering positions across multiple regions, according to the Financial Times. These roles include AI filmmakers in Italy, venture associates in the UAE, and regulatory specialists in Ghana and Brazil, based on LinkedIn postings.

TETHER ACCELERATES EXPANSION

Tether is pushing beyond its roots as a crypto infrastructure provider to become a diversified group.

The company now holds around 140 investments, employs roughly 300 staff, and plans to hire 150 more.

As per FT, the new CFO Simon McWilliams is… pic.twitter.com/aVuWBP9bra

— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) February 8, 2026

Meanwhile, Tether has shifted its headquarters to El Salvador and continues to base senior operations in Switzerland. It now operates with teams spread across regions, while a new London-based group oversees finance and operations under chief financial officer Simon McWilliams. Employees reportedly have limited visibility into other teams, aside from occasional gatherings in El Salvador or Lugano.

In parallel, Tether is pushing deeper into the United States market despite regulatory challenges. The company has hired experienced American lobbyists and recruited former members of the Trump administration to support its U.S. expansion strategy. These moves signal a more direct engagement with policymakers and regulators as scrutiny of stablecoin issuers continues to grow.

Technology Strategy and Investment Portfolio

Tether now holds around 140 investments spanning agriculture, sports, and technology. These include a stake in an Italian football club, Juventus, and an investment in a South American agricultural firm. The company has also expanded into advanced technology sectors, including robotics, satellites, and artificial intelligence.

At a recent conference in San Salvador, chief executive Paolo Ardoino spoke about building peer-to-peer tools and a so-called freedom tech stack. Conference exhibits showed products such as the MOS bitcoin mining operating system, the QVAC platform for AI agents, and WDK wallets that allow AI agents to accept Tether. Critics have questioned how these products align under a single strategic vision.

Tether has also invested roughly $775 million in Rumble, a YouTube alternative that launched a non-custodial crypto wallet embedded into its streaming platform last month. The company allocated $150 million to Gold.com and $100 million towards Anchorage Digital and increased its investments in metal assets and U.S.-regulated cryptocurrency infrastructure.

Scrutiny Political Ties and Regulatory Pressure

Tether operates its business despite the company’s growth because it must address two main issues: revealing reserve information and meeting governmental regulations. The company shares quarterly reports from BDO Italia, yet it fails to deliver complete audit documents. The 2021 settlement between Tether and state and federal authorities resolved allegations that Tether had provided false information about its assets supporting USDT’s dollar value.

Related: Tether Buys 12% Stake in Gold.com With $150M Tokenized Gold Push

Concerns have also emerged around political connections. Tether maintains close ties with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, whose bank, Cantor Fitzgerald, acts as custodian for Tether’s U.S. Treasury holdings and holds an investment in the company. Brandon Lutnick attended the El Salvador conference and described Ardoino as a close partner.

Regulators continue to apply pressure. New York Attorney General Letitia James warned Democratic lawmakers that Tether provides law enforcement support only in limited cases. Tether said it works voluntarily with U.S. agencies despite lacking blanket legal obligations. Competition from firms like Circle, which went public last year, and regulatory engagement in places such as Abu Dhabi Global Market add further pressure as the expansion continues.

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WLFI drops 8 percent as the wider market rises, which signals strong coin-specific pressure

Funding rates fall sharply, and long liquidations rise as sellers retain firm control

RSI sinks to deep oversold territory, which hints at a possible short-lived relief move

WLFI slipped again over the past day, extending a losing streak that has worn down sentiment for weeks. At press time, the token trades near $0.10, per CoinMarketCap figures, after an 8% slide that pushed it to its lowest level since late autumn.

The broader market spent the same window climbing, which only made the move stand out more sharply. The losses added to a heavy month. At its current price, WLFI is down roughly 42% over 30 days and more than 56% compared with last year.

However, trading activity actually picked up, with volumes rising about 18% to $352 million. Even so, the additional turnover did not translate into support; most of it appears to be sellers exiting positions rather than buyers stepping in to absorb pressure.

Asset-Specific Selling Overrides Market Strength

The latest decline unfolded on a day when the total crypto market cap rose more than 5%. That gap left analysts pointing to token-specific drivers rather than any larger shift in risk appetite. WLFI has fallen about 32% in a week, and nothing in the current flow of information suggests that trend is encountering resistance.

In situations like this, investors tend to look for catalysts, anything that can disrupt the slide. Yet, no such developments have surfaced, at least not publicly. As a result, the token continues to drift away from the market’s broader direction, a sign that conviction is weakening inside the asset’s own community more than anywhere else.

Lingering Overhang From Earlier Events

Still, some of the hesitation traces back to issues that surfaced earlier, where WLFI had been mentioned in a U.S. congressional inquiry tied to a $500 million investment originating in the UAE. There were also reports from Arkhan Intelligence that the project sold a portion of its Bitcoin, worth about $6.71 million, to settle an Aave loan and avoid liquidation pressures in early February.

Source: Arkham Intelligence

Such events continue to act as an overhang. In markets that are already jittery, any unresolved question becomes a drag, enough to make fresh buyers cautious and existing holders quicker to react when volatility increases.

Technical Breakdown Confirms Bearish Control

Similarly, the technical picture has also deteriorated. According to a TradingView daily chart analysis, WLFI spent months trading inside an ascending channel, a structure usually interpreted as constructive.

However, that pattern failed last Saturday. The token’s price slipped beneath the lower trendline and briefly retested the breakdown point before pivoting lower again, a sequence traders often view as confirmation of a shift in direction.

Source: TradingView

The fall also pushed the token under a support area around $0.11 to $0.10. Moreover, shorter-term averages sit above the current price: the 20-day is near $0.14 and the 50-day close to $0.15. When price lingers below both, traders tend to treat it as evidence of a market leaning heavily toward sellers.

Related: Bitcoin Sheds Over $53K in 120 Days: What’s Next for BTC?

Derivatives and Momentum Signals Paint a Mixed Picture

Derivatives data has been equally lopsided. Per CoinGlass data, the funding rate on WLFI futures dipped toward an extreme negative reading, suggesting that shorts were motivated enough to pay a discount to stay in their positions.

Source: CoinGlass

Liquidation figures showed a similar imbalance. Around $1.74 million in positions were wiped out in 24 hours, with $1.50 million of that from longs compared to $241,180 in short liquidations. The imbalance points to a long squeeze, where forced exits from leveraged buyers amplify downward moves.

Source: CoinGlass

Momentum indicators, however, may be nearing exhaustion. The relative strength index has dropped to about 22, placing it deep in oversold territory. While this does not signal a confirmed reversal, it indicates that selling intensity has reached levels historically associated with short-term exhaustion, leaving the market sensitive to any shift in flows or information.

For now, WLFI remains under steady pressure, shaped by old uncertainties, technical breaks, and persistent selling. Whether it stays there may depend on which moves first: new information or seller fatigue.

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Tom Lee called Ethereum the future of finance during a volatile market period.

BitMine shares surged then fell as unrealized ETH losses reached a billion-dollar level.

Ethereum rebounded above 2000 even as trading volume declined sharply today. globally.

BitMine chairman and Fundstrat co-founder Thomas (Tom) Lee reaffirmed his bullish stance on Ethereum, calling it “the future of finance,” as both ETH prices and BitMine shares moved sharply this week. Lee’s comments followed remarks from Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, who described ETH as a store of value and a foundation for key blockchain applications. 

Together, the statements drew renewed attention from investors and analysts during a period of heightened volatility across crypto-linked assets.

More proof that

ethereum is the future of finance$ETH https://t.co/B16fvAM8FD

— Thomas (Tom) Lee (not drummer) FSInsight.com (@fundstrat) February 6, 2026

Ethereum Narrative Gains Attention

Lee’s endorsement came as discussions continued around Ethereum’s role in decentralized finance, non-fungible tokens, and institutional adoption. Traders reported higher activity on major exchanges following the public exchange between Lee and Buterin.

Market observers noted that the remarks reinforced confidence in Ethereum’s long-term positioning despite ongoing regulatory uncertainty. Ethereum’s price action reflected that backdrop. Over the past 24 hours, ETH rose 5.59% to $2,011.39, according to CoinMarketCap.

The move followed an early dip near $1,917 before buyers pushed prices toward the $2,100 level. Market capitalization climbed to $242.76 billion, while 24-hour trading volume fell 25.59% to $53.09 billion, signaling thinner turnover during the rebound.

BitMine Shares Swing With Treasury Exposure

Shares of BitMine Immersion Technologies Inc surged 17.64% on Friday, closing at $20.47 on NYSE American data from Google Finance. The stock traded between $18.70 and $20.70, well above the prior close of $17.40.

Source: Google Finance

After-hours trading added to gains, with shares rising to $20.66, up another 0.93%. BitMine’s market capitalization now stands at $9.31 billion, supported by an average daily volume of 42.99 million shares.

Despite the rally, the stock remains far below its 52-week high of $161, though still above its $3.20 yearly low. The company reports no meaningful price-to-earnings ratio and offers a 0.05% dividend yield.

Unrealized ETH Losses Come Into Focus

Earlier in the week, BitMine shares fell 11% to around $18.05, marking a seven-month low after unrealized losses on ETH holdings approached $8 billion. The decline followed ETH’s drop toward $2,300, which reduced the value of BitMine’s treasury holdings.

The firm holds about 4,285,125 ETH, valued near $8.4 billion, and was down more than $6 billion on paper at one point. Responding on X, Lee said, “Crypto is in a downturn, so naturally, ETH is down.” “BMNR will see ‘unrealized’ losses on our holdings of ETH during these times,” he added. “It’s not a bug, it’s a feature.”

These tweets miss the point of an ethereum treasury:
– BitMine is designed to track the price of $ETH
– outperform over the cycle (think up ETH)
– crypto is in a downturn, so naturally ETH is down$BMNR will see “unrealized” losses on our holdings of ETH during these times:
-… https://t.co/VpoNjAnJdC

— Thomas (Tom) Lee (not drummer) FSInsight.com (@fundstrat) February 3, 2026

Based on BitMine’s reported cost basis from a November 10-Q filing and later purchases, analytics platform DropsTab estimates unrealized losses near $8.02 billion, or about 49% of the investment. 

Related: BitMine Immersion Puts $200M Into MrBeast’s Beast Industries

Conclusion

Ethereum and BitMine remained tightly linked this week as market volatility tested long-term crypto strategies. Tom Lee repeated his view that short-term drawdowns reflect market cycles rather than structural weakness. 

The market showed renewed buying interest towards Ethereum after its price increased, yet trading volumes remained lower than normal. The price movements of BitMine shares showed similar patterns to the changes in Ethereum prices, which proved that treasury-based holdings of crypto companies increased their financial results.

As ETH prices rose, market participants watched closely: Will sustained price recovery validate Lee’s long-term Ethereum thesis?

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Bitcoin tumbled over 50% from its peak as fear reached levels last seen in 2022.

Trading volume surged while futures interest sank, showing a rapid exit from risk assets.

Dollar strength and tech stock losses deepened pressure across crypto markets globally.

Investors are creeping out across crypto markets. This is because the market has deepened to levels unseen since mid-2022, as a macro-driven selloff pushed Bitcoin to fresh multi-month lows and drained speculative appetite. Bitcoin fell to $60,255 on Thursday, a 15-month low and a 52.2% drop from its October 2025 peak of $126,080. At the same time, the Crypto Fear and Greed Index slid to 9, placing sentiment firmly in extreme fear and marking its weakest reading in 42 months. 

Data from Alternative. me showed sentiment showed at 9 on February 6, unchanged from the prior day but far below last week’s 16 and January’s reading of 42. The index tracks price action, momentum, and demand, and it weakened sharply as selling pressure intensified across global markets.

Source: Alternative.me

Market Stress Deepens as Bitcoin Volatility Surges

Bitcoin extended losses on February 6, trading at $65,229, down 9.02% over 24 hours, according to CoinMarketCap. Earlier in the session, prices briefly dipped near $60,000 before staging a modest rebound, reflecting unstable trading conditions.

Market capitalization fell to $1.3 trillion, down 9.06% on the day, as broad risk aversion spread across major assets. The trading volume increased by 72.87%, reaching $145.28 billion. 

The increase raised the volume-to-market-cap ratio to 11.19%, indicating that traders were making large position changes due to intense market volatility.  

The circulating supply of Bitcoin reached 19.98 million coins, which created options for issuing new coins as the price movements became more pronounced during trading sessions.

Macro Pressures Drive Risk Aversion

Analysts linked the selloff to tightening financial conditions and synchronized declines across global markets. Tim Sun, senior researcher at HashKey Group, said the drawdown reflects restricted liquidity and shared risk-aversion dynamics across asset classes. He noted that global assets now respond to similar financing pressures as liquidity fails to expand meaningfully.

Related: What is the Crypto Fear & Greed Index? How to Use it?

Jeff Ko, chief analyst at CoinEx Research, pointed to Bitcoin’s weekly drop of over 20% alongside a selloff in U.S. technology stocks. He cited stretched valuations and long-standing concerns over an artificial intelligence-led bubble weighing on sentiment. Ko added that Amazon recorded a double-digit decline after mixed earnings, prompting investors to question Bitcoin’s reliability as a safe haven relative to gold.

Derivatives Data Signals Defensive Positioning

Market participants increased their caution after observing that speculative investors abandoned the derivatives markets. CryptoQuant data showed aggregated Bitcoin futures open interest falling to $21.96 billion, marking a 15-month low that indicates market participants are selling off their assets. 

The options markets showed a defensive market trend; the weekly and 30-day 25-delta skews dropped below -28 and -24. The levels show that traders paid more to acquire protection against price declines because they expected market downturns, which caused them to bet on negative price movements. Andri Fauzan Adziima, who works as the research lead at Bitrue, stated that companies became risk-averse during this period because of their expenditures on technology and artificial intelligence. 

The U.S. Dollar Index increased from 95 to 97 from  January 27  up until now because Japanese bond market disruptions created market conditions that affected the yen carry trade. Bitcoin currently struggles to attain stability. Market sentiment resembles the Terra Luna collapse from May 2022, while investors worldwide exhibit lower risk tolerance.

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The $70M AI.com sale marks the largest public domain deal paid fully in crypto today.

AI.com will launch an AI agent that handles tasks across apps for everyday users.

The Super Bowl debut places the platform in a crowded and fast-moving AI race now.

Kris Marszalek has acquired the AI.com domain for about $70 million in cryptocurrency and plans to unveil the platform during a Super Bowl commercial this weekend. The purchase ranks as the largest publicly disclosed domain sale to date, according to people familiar with the transaction. The move positions AI.com as a new entrant in the fast-growing artificial intelligence market at a moment of intense industry attention.

The price was confirmed by broker Larry Fischer of GetYourDomain.com, who said the payment occurred entirely in digital assets. Fischer did not identify the seller, while the deal was first reported by the Financial Times. Marszalek later confirmed the acquisition timeline and launch plans in a post on X.

Marszalek said he bought the domain in April and formed a team that has built toward an initial release. He described the Super Bowl debut as the first public launch after months of preparation. The announcement arrives as AI products and agents draw rising interest from consumers and enterprises.

I purchased https://t.co/ac2AqjBNxj in April. Since that time, we created a team that has been steadily building. There are always twists and turns, but I’m excited with our first launch this Sunday during the Super Bowl. pic.twitter.com/BbqVo1bQLZ

— Kris — ai.com — crypto.com (@kris) February 6, 2026

Building AI.com and Its Agent Strategy

AI.com will center on a personal AI agent designed to act on a user’s behalf across tasks and applications. The platform plans to help users organize work, send messages, execute actions, and build projects. The focus targets ease of use for non-technical consumers.

Users can create multiple agents to perform different tasks under permission-based controls. The company says privacy will remain central to the design, with users managing access. Examples in the press release include trading stocks and updating a dating profile.

The company has not clarified whether it will develop proprietary AI models or license existing ones. It plans to offer free access alongside a paid subscription tier. The structure aims to keep the service flexible as features expand.

How will AI.com compete as established firms roll out similar agent tools?

Timing, Market Context, and Public Signals

Marszalek described the domain purchase as a long-term investment tied to expected technological shifts over the next 10 to 20 years. He said he received what he called “an absolutely insane amount of money” in offers for the domain. Despite those approaches, he said he plans to keep the asset to build a business and brand.

The launch mirrors Crypto.com’s earlier push into mainstream advertising during late 2021 and early 2022. That period included high-profile Super Bowl ads and celebrity endorsements. Those campaigns coincided with peak crypto market enthusiasm.

AI.com now launches during a renewed crypto downturn that has pushed Bitcoin below $66,000. Bitcoin last traded near $127,000 in October 2025 before the decline.
The timing places the AI debut amid heightened volatility across digital asset markets.

Related: Crypto.com Expands SGD, USD Rails in Singapore With DBS

Industry Outlook and Analyst Focus

The artificial intelligence market is projected to reach $376 billion in 2026. That growth outlook has fueled competition among platforms offering agent-based tools. Companies such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google have announced similar capabilities. 

Marszalek’s venture enters the sector because current interest in productivity-focused AI tools continues to grow. Recent launches like Anthropic’s Claude Code and Claude Cowork have gained attention for practical use cases. The AI.com platform launched because it wanted to maintain its current growth pattern. 

The platform needs to show whether it can attract users while standing out from its bigger competitors, according to analysts. The researchers are studying two specific problems, which include regulatory issues and liquidity challenges that affect all cryptocurrency-related projects. The initial user feedback, together with product performance data, will determine the first evaluations.

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BTC slid toward $60K as U.S.–Iran nuclear talks revived geopolitical risk across crypto markets

Over $260B exited crypto in a day as liquidations surged and sentiment dropped to extreme fear

ETH, SOL, and DOGE broke key levels as leverage unwound during global risk-off trading

Renewed diplomatic strain between the United States and Iran is colliding with a fragile crypto market, sending Bitcoin and major tokens into a fast, liquidation-driven slide just as nuclear talks begin in Muscat, Oman.

BREAKING: US Embassy tells citizens to ‘LEAVE IRAN NOW’ pic.twitter.com/HLiDUsT2pL

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) February 6, 2026

Just recently online, a U.S. travel advisory urging Americans to “leave Iran now” resurfaced on X and added fresh headline risk. The guidance dates back to mid-January, but it reappeared as markets positioned for Friday’s negotiations and weighed renewed warnings from President Donald Trump alongside retaliation threats from Tehran.

Talks In Oman Open With High Stakes

According to reports, Iran and the United States opened high-stakes talks in Oman on Friday, with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi leading Tehran’s delegation and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff heading the U.S. side.

Jared Kushner, U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, was also expected to take part in the meeting, according to officials familiar with the matter. The agenda itself is a flashpoint. Per reports, Washington wants discussions to expand beyond the nuclear file to also cover Iran’s ballistic missiles, regional armed groups, and internal human rights issues.

Tehran, on the other hand, acknowledged that it wants the meeting to focus only on the nuclear issue. The talks come after last year’s sharp escalation in June, when the U.S. struck Iranian nuclear targets during the final stages of a 12-day Israeli bombing campaign.

Iran later said its uranium enrichment activities had stopped. As a result, Tehran has since warned it would respond forcefully to any military action and has made clear it will not negotiate over its missile program.

Old Travel Warning Returns And Reprices Risk

The resurfaced travel warning amplified market sensitivity to U.S.–Iran developments as it advised U.S. citizens to plan departure without relying on government evacuation support. The alert also referenced disruption risks such as flight cancellations and internet outages, language that traders often treat as a stress signal when it goes viral again.

Even though the advisory was not newly issued, its circulation landed at a moment when investors were already reducing exposure to risk assets. That timing helped keep U.S.–Iran headlines in the foreground as the Oman talks began.

Forced Position Closures Amplify Losses 

In the aftermath, the crypto sell-off took on a different character. What began as a steady decline hardened into a liquidation-driven slide as key technical levels failed. Bitcoin briefly probed the $60K mark, falling to an intraday low of $60,074 before recovering to roughly $65,969.

Source: CoinMarketCap

Even with the bounce, the damage was clear. Bitcoin remained down about 20% over the past week and 33% year to date, while Ether was still off roughly 32% in 2026 despite stabilizing attempts. The scale of forced positioning mattered as much as the news flow.

Source: CoinGlass

More than $2.6 billion in leveraged positions were cleared out over the past 24 hours, with close to 89% tied to long exposure. Bitcoin accounted for the largest share of those liquidations, followed by Ethereum. The pattern was familiar. Once downside momentum built, leveraged bullish bets were the first to unwind.

Liquidations And Fear Indicators Deepen Market Stress

Signs of strain were also evident in sentiment gauges. The Fear and Greed Index slid to 5, a level categorized as “Extreme Fear,” down from 11 the previous day. Moves of that magnitude typically coincide with periods when traders are reacting to margin pressure rather than reassessing fundamentals.

Source: CoinMarketCap

Consequently, selling becomes mechanical, and decisions are made quickly and often reluctantly. However, losses were not contained to Bitcoin. Ether slipped below $1,800 during the downturn, while Solana fell under $70 for the first time since December 2023. Dogecoin also traded below $0.10.

Each break added to the risk-off tone, particularly in retail-driven assets where round numbers and prior support zones tend to concentrate stop orders and liquidation triggers. Broader market forces further added weight. The crypto drawdown unfolded alongside a sharp pullback in global technology stocks and a wider retreat from risk assets.

Source: SoSoValue

At the same time, sustained outflows from U.S. spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds, more than $1.61 billion withdrawn in January, reduced marginal demand just as liquidation-driven supply surged, leaving prices exposed during the selloff.

Related: Tether Buys 12% Stake in Gold.com With $150M Tokenized Gold Push

Why U.S.–Iran Risk Feels Bigger When Leverage Is High

The U.S.–Iran story landed in a market that was already structurally vulnerable. When leverage builds, price declines do not need a large new catalyst to snowball. Thus, liquidations can turn a headline-driven dip into a cascade, as each forced close becomes the next wave of sell pressure.

This makes the U.S.–Iran developments crucial even as officials clarified the travel advisory was not new. Regardless, with talks underway in Oman and both sides holding firm public positions, traders responded by reducing risk quickly, and the market’s plumbing did the rest.

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XRP dropped from $2.42 in January to $1.12 by early February after multiple supports failed.

Price rebounded to $1.29 as RSI fell to 23.63, showing deep oversold market conditions.

Social sentiment for XRP diverged from Bitcoin and Ethereum during the latest decline.

The market is quite concerned about how XRP has changed hands at $1.29 on Binance against USDT  today after a volatile session that saw the price swing between $1.11 and $1.33. The move represented a 6.22% rebound on the day, yet it came after heavy selling pressure that built steadily from January. From a monthly high near $2.42, XRP slid lower for weeks, with the decline accelerating into early February. 

On Feb. 5, 2026, the price broke through several technical levels in a single session, producing one of the sharpest daily drops visible on the chart and pushing XRP into a short-term stabilization phase.

A Breakdown Months in the Making

The larger structure shows XRP rolling over from a descending wedge that developed between October and late December. Throughout that period, price printed lower highs beneath a sloping resistance line, while the lower boundary offered only shallow and weakening support. Trading ranges tightened, signaling compression rather than accumulation.

Source: TradingView

That compression ended in January. As support failed, XRP slipped out of the wedge and attempted a brief recovery. The rally stalled at the 1.0 Fibonacci retracement level near $2.4172, aligning closely with January’s peak. The rejection at that level marked the end of upside momentum and reset the prevailing trend.

XRP entered a steep bearish channel after its initial decline, which continued until it reached lower price levels. The market recovery faced resistance at the upper boundary of the channel, which resulted in downward price movement instead of market consolidation.

Fibonacci Levels Trace the Decline

Fibonacci retracement levels drawn from the January high mapped the path of the sell-off with precision. XRP first slipped below 0.786 at $2.1387, then lost 0.618 at $1.9201. Selling continued through 0.5 at $1.7666 and 0.382 at $1.6130, with each level slowing price briefly before giving way.

Pressure intensified once XRP fell through 0.236 at $1.4230. From there, the price dropped quickly toward the 0.0 retracement at $1.1159. That level overlapped with a clearly defined demand zone on the chart, where selling finally paused. Buyers absorbed enough pressure to lift XRP back above $1.29, though the move remained corrective rather than directional.

Momentum readings reflected the strain of the decline. The RSI (14) fell to 23.63, placing the token deep in oversold territory. 

Sentiment Data Adds Another Layer

The analytics company Santiment examined social media user sentiment on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP during the market downturn, which resulted in price declines. The company analyzed its Positive-to-Negative Sentiment ratio, which evaluates bullish and bearish user comments on major platforms.

Source: X

Santiment calculates the metric by collecting asset mentions and classifying them using machine-learning models. It then divides positive references by negative ones. Readings above 1 indicate more positive commentary, while values below 1 point to bearish dominance.

Related: XRP Price Steadies Above Key Support: Is a Rebound Past $2 Possible?

Santiment reported that two divergent asset trends occurred during the recent market decline. The sentiment profile of XRP showed different results from both Bitcoin and Ethereum because of varying expectations from traders. The digital asset markets have historically moved against retail investor positions because periods of extreme market fear precede market recovery, while high market optimism occurs at local peak points.

In XRP’s case, sentiment divergence now sits alongside a technically damaged chart. Price has so far defended the $1.12 area, yet previous breakdown levels at $1.61 and $1.76 remain overhead as reference points as trading continues.

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Tether invests $150M in Gold.com as rising demand lifts interest in tokenized gold assets

Deal links XAU₮ to Gold.com while opening paths for stablecoin payments in gold markets

Tether secures a board seat as Gold.com expands its gold-backed digital asset offerings

Tether has made a decisive move into the precious metals market, committing $150 million to acquire a minority stake in Gold.com as demand for gold-backed assets accelerates amid global market volatility. The investment gives the stablecoin issuer a 12% ownership position in the publicly traded gold platform and signals a deeper effort to connect traditional stores of value with blockchain-based finance.

Tether Makes $150 Million Strategic Investment in https://t.co/wkdntYlIFB, Expanding Global Access to Tokenized and Physical Gold

Read more:https://t.co/ttkmDcS369

— Tether (@tether) February 5, 2026

The timing is not accidental. Gold prices pushed past $5,500 per ounce last week, and tokenized gold has swelled from roughly $1.3 billion to more than $5.5 billion in market size. Consequently, Tether is now trying to position itself inside that momentum, connecting its stablecoin infrastructure to a market that historically leans toward caution rather than experimentation.

Strategic Entry Into Gold.com: Terms Behind the Move

According to disclosures published by Gold.com, Tether agreed to buy about $125 million in Common Shares upfront, with another $25 million to follow once certain regulatory steps are cleared. Altogether, the purchase covers 3.371 million shares at $44.50, an 11.9% discount to the company’s 10-day VWAP as of Feb. 4, 2026. Moreover, the shares come with typical registration rights and carry a 90-day resale restriction.

The investment also gives Tether the ability to nominate one director to the company’s board. Traders seemed quick to register the significance of the partnership, pushing Gold.com’s stock up roughly 6% in after-hours dealings once the news hit.

Building a Bridge Between Vaults and Blockchains

While the equity stake matters, most of the long-term implications fall in the partnership language. Gold.com already handles sourcing, logistics, and distribution of physical bullion. The new plan involves embedding Tether’s XAU₮ token into that system so users can move between physical and tokenized gold without leaving the platform.

Both sides intend to explore whether physical gold purchases can be settled through USDT or Tether’s newer U.S.-regulated stablecoin, USAT. Yet, the arrangement will need to pass regulatory checks, but the direction is clear: the companies want to pull precious metals closer to digital-asset rails without abandoning the conventions of the traditional metals trade.

Commercial Commitments Take Shape

Meanwhile, several financial and operational provisions still sit underneath the headline figure. Per reports, Tether will extend Gold.com a gold-leasing facility of no less than $100 million, a move that could expand liquidity across the platform’s bullion programs. Gold.com, for its part, agreed to accept USDT or USAT for certain payments where feasible and to promote Tether-issued tokens in various customer-facing channels.

Another piece of the deal sees Gold.com directing $20 million of the investment proceeds into XAU₮. That allocation effectively loops the transaction back into Tether’s tokenized-gold ecosystem and reinforces the token’s physical backing held in Swiss vaults.

Related: USDT’s $187B Market Cap Scale Signals Capital on Standby, Not in Retreat

Market Context and Executive Commentary

The timing of the deal reflects broader shifts in investor behavior. Gold has climbed rapidly over the past several quarters, fueled by geopolitical friction and persistent unease in monetary policy.

Similarly, tokenized gold markets have followed, and XAU₮ now represents more than 60% of that segment. Paolo Ardoino, chief executive of Tether, described the move as a long-term hedge rather than a tactical trade, noting gold’s historical role during unstable periods.

For Gold.com, the investment brings a large digital customer base into reach, while Tether gains a firmer foothold in a commodity market that has rarely overlapped with crypto. The result is an alliance that attempts to link two financial worlds, one anchored in vaults, the other in code, at a time when investors are looking for steady ground.

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